Van Gaal blasts referee despite United victory

Anthony Martial scored in the final minute of stoppage time to secure a 2-1 victory for United over Everton, ensuring Van Gaal’s side safe passage into a first FA Cup final for nine years.

United looked comfortable at half-time, leading through the impressive Marouane Fellaini as Everton struggled to cope with the Red Devils’ attack.

But Everton launched a second-half onslaught and had opportunities to take the lead after equalising through Chris Smalling’s own goal, only for Martial to score the winner.

After the game, Van Gaal aired his frustrations to the BBC.

“It’s fantastic,” he said. “When you see the joy in the eyes of the players it is fantastic to see but also for the fans.

“I think we deserved to go to the final. I think the referee… we didn’t have any fouls in our benefit. He changed the match I think. We had so many chances. We could have finished it much better.

“Everton came in the match because they get all the fouls. And then the fans of Everton were cheering. In the first half – no [they weren’t]. The referees are deciding the game and not the players any more.”